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THE PROVIDENTIAL CHASTENING HAND OF GOD (V)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22
1 Samuel 6:13-7:2

Numbers 4:1-5, 15-20

 

“…they shall not touch

any holy thing, lest they die.”

 

THE PROVIDENTIAL CHASTENING HAND OF GOD (V)
 
God revealed His might and power to the Philistines. The lords of the Philistines who followed the ark all the way to the border went back home knowing that it was God. The Philistines, though ignorant, had handled the ark with great care and caution. The children of Israel, though knowledgeable, mishandled the ark to their own destruction.
 
“And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was with it…” (1 Sam 6:15). The men of Bethshemesh upon seeing the ark, received it, and honoured it. They clave the cart for wood, and offered the cows that had dragged the cart from the Philistine country. They had Levites take down the ark from off the cart showing that they knew what God had said concerning the handling of the ark. They were recipients of God’s bountiful mercy, and they harvested their fields. God had blessed their efforts and labours. For seven months the ark was captive in a foreign land and they had not attempted to bring it back; but, lo and behold, the ark was back without their effort or intervention. They offered sacrifice, for indeed there were great reasons to do so.
 
“And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD…” (1 Sam 6:19). The day which started with the joy of a harvest, and which was added the joy of the return of the ark, changed into a dark and dreadful day of horror “because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter” (1 Sam 6:19). Their curiosity replaced their reverence, and wilfulness replaced obedience. From the involvement of the Levites in removing the ark and the sacrifice, it is clear that they knew what they were handling. But, alas, the indignity they had shown in bringing the ark to battle continued. This time round, they profaned the ark and brought upon themselves swift chastisement. We must never be too familiar with the things of God to lack proper reverence due to God. Obedience to God’s Word is our safeguard when we approach God.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Deuteronomy 29:29.)
PRAYER: Father, may I never speak of Thee without speaking with Thee first.

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